2023 Adamawa election an assault on democracy – Fintiri

Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has described the 2023 governorship election in the state as a serious setback for Nigeria’s democratic process.

Fintiri made the remark on Monday in Yola at the unveiling of a book titled “Fintiri: The Man They Could Not Stop”, written by veteran journalist, Solomon Kumangar.

He said the election exposed treachery, moral compromise and desperate opportunism among members of the political elite.

“In 2023, we saw treachery, assault and the moral compromise of a bankrupt elite masked as patriots.

“The poll revealed coordinated attempts to undermine the will of the Adamawa people through electoral manipulation,” he said.

The governor said that although the experience was challenging, it demonstrated the resilience of Adamawa citizens and supporters across the country.

He noted that the book focuses on the controversial 2023 Adamawa governorship election, during which the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, illegally declared the APC candidate, Sen. Aishatu Binani, winner before the completion of collation.

He added that the action was swiftly nullified by the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Fintiri endorsed the book as the author’s account of events, stressing that others were free to document alternative perspectives.

He described Kumangar as a skilled writer with deep insight, despite admitting he had not read the book, adding that the 2023 election was not the end of the story.

The governor warned that individuals involved in electoral subversion remained active and continued to pose threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the book was a critical record of leadership rooted in truth and accountability.

“The writing of the book was not an exercise in comfort but an act of faith in truth, history and the enduring value of leadership.

“This book, ‘Fintiri: The Man They Could Not Stop,’ did not begin as an idea in search of expression; it began as a responsibility and obligation to history,” Saraki said.

The author, Mr Solomon Kumangar, said the book was written out of obligation to history, emphasising honesty over praise.

He said the work introduced “Huduism” as a framework to explain coordinated attempts at electoral subversion.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Kukah, praised the book for documenting leadership, inclusion and democratic struggle.

Kukah said the book outlined Fintiri’s development agenda and underscored the need for vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.

He added that it documents the governor’s 11-point development agenda, covering rural infrastructure, internal revenue mobilisation, accountability, transparency, health, among others.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book was unveiled by the APC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Dr Musa Ilallah.

The event was attended by the governors of Bauchi and Nasarawa states, traditional rulers, security chiefs and other dignitaries from across the country. (NAN) 

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